Fields of Research

Since it was founded, the Arnold Bergstraesser Institute (ABI) has researched developments in the society, culture and politics of countries abroad. Its current research focus is the effects and consequences of accelerating modernization and globalization and the risks that this entails for international politics and the international economy.

After almost five decades, the Institute's work is still fundamentally research-oriented, in particular – to name the most important areas – education and administration; ethnic conflicts and the possibilities of regulating them; and migration, processes of democratization and good governance.

Current research at the ABI includes:

Since its foundation, the ABI has made a substantial contribution to education. One expression of this is the broad range of courses and seminars on developing countries offered at the University of Freiburg, in particular in the Department of Political Science. As part of its teaching activities, members of the ABI have provided encouragement and support in numerous Master's and PhD theses. The Institute also offers an internship.

In addition to its interdisciplinary and interregional focus, the Institute also offers a number of regional study groups.